Hsp70 expression induced by Co-Enzyme Q10 protected chicken myocardial cells from damage and apoptosis under in vitro heat stress

The aim of this study was to investigate whether induction of Hsp70 expression by co-enzyme Q10 (Q10) treatment protects chicken primary myocardial cells (CPMCs) from damage and apoptosis in response to heat stress for 5 hours. Analysis of the expression and distribution of Hsp70 and the levels of the damage-related enzymes creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as pathological analysis showed that co-enzyme Q10 alleviated the damage caused to CPMCs during heat stress. Further, analysis of cell apoptosis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 indicated that co-enzyme Q10 did have an anti-apoptotic role during heat stress. Western blot analysis showed that pretreatment with co-enzyme Q10 led to a significant increase in the expression of Hsp70 during heat stress. Immunostaining assays confirmed the results of western blot analysis and also showed that co-enzyme Q10 could accelerate the translocation of Hsp70 into the nucleus during heat stress, but this was not observed in the group that was treated with only co-enzyme Q10. These findings seem to indicate that co-enzyme Q10 protected CPMCs from heat stress via the induction of Hsp70. To investigate this, 200 μM quercetin, an Hsp70 inhibitor, was used to inhibit the expression of Hsp70 2 h before heat stress. Quercetin pre-treatment was observed to suppress the expression of Hsp70 as well the protective function of co-enzyme Q10 at 5 h of heat stress. This finding confirms that Q10 brought about its effects via Hsp70 expression, but the mechanism underlying this needs further investigation.

Diabetic retinopathy and health-related quality of life among Chinese with known type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

We aim to describe the impact of diabetic retinopathy (DR) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among community-dwelling Chinese adults who had been previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A community-based survey including 913 patients with T2DM was conducted in Suzhou, China. Retinopathy lesions were graded according to the Airlie House classification system of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. The HRQOL was measured by the Chinese version of the EuroQol Group's five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). A Gamma distribution with log link was incorporated into linear regression models to assess the associations between DR and EQ-5D-5L health utility score.

RESULTS

The mean EQ-5D-5L index scores were 0.971 ± 0.082 among individuals with unilateral DR and 0.970 ± 0.145 among those with bilateral DR, which were lower compared with those without DR (0.986 ± 0.045, P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis adjusting for confounders, people with bilateral DR reported lower the EQ-5D index scores compared with those without DR. The presence of DR was significantly associated with problems in usual activities (odds ratio [OR] = 0.16, P = 0.02, comparing participants with unilateral vs. no DR; OR = 0.11; P = 0.01, comparing participants with bilateral vs. no DR). No significant variations in EQ-5D-5L index scores as well as different domains of health problems between individuals with unilateral and bilateral DR were observed (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chinese T2DM patients with bilateral DR tend to report lower HRQOL scores compared with those without DR, especially in health problems associated with usual activities.

Comparison of three fluorescence labeling and tracking methods of endothelial progenitor cells in laser-injured retina

AIM

To compare three kinds of fluorescent probes for in vitro labeling and in vivo tracking of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in a mouse model of laser-induced retinal injury.

METHODS

EPCs were isolated from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells and labeled with three different fluorescent probes: 5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), 1,1'-dilinoleyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchlorate linked acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI-AcLDL), and green fluorescent protein (GFP). The fluorescent intensity of EPCs was examined by confocal microscopy. Survival rate of labeled EPCs was calculated with trypan blue staining, and their adhesive capability was assessed. A mouse model of retinal injury was induced by laser, and EPCs were injected into the vitreous cavity. Frozen section and fluorescein angiography on flat-mounted retinal samples was employed to track the labeled EPCs in vivo.

RESULTS

EPCs labeled with CFSE and DiI-AcLDL exhibited an intense green and red fluorescence at the beginning; the fluorescence intensity decreased gradually to 20.23% and 49.99% respectively, after 28d. On the contrary, the florescent intensity of GFP-labeled EPCs increased in a time-dependent manner. All labeled EPCs showed normal morphology and no significant change in survival and adhesive capability. In the mouse model, transplantation of EPCs showed a protective effect against retinal injury. EPCs labeled with CFSE and DiI-AcLDL were successfully tracked in mice during the development of retinal injury and repair; however, GFP-labeled EPCs were not detected in the laser-injured mouse retina.

CONCLUSION

The three fluorescent markers used in this study have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. CFSE and DiI-AcLDL are suitable for short-term EPC-labeling, while GFP should be used for long-term labeling. The choice of fluorescent markers should be guided by the purpose of the study.

A comparison of surgical efficacy between a 1.8-mm microincision and 3.2-mm and 5.5-mm incisions for phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification is a commonly used surgical method in cataract surgery. This paper observes and compares the surgical efficacy of three incisions of different length for phacoemulsification to identify the optimal method for cataract surgery. Ninety patients were enrolled in the present study and divided into three groups. The 1.8-mm group received Bausch & Lomb MI60 foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (n=30), 3.2-mm group received Bausch & Lomb Akreos AO foldable lens implantation (n=30), and 5.5-mm group received Alcon TYPE 05 rigid IOL implantation (n=30). Visual acuity, Oculyzer-based anterior segment analysis, and corneal endothelial cell count before surgery, and 3, 7, 30, and 90d after surgery were recorded and compared. Pseudophakic accommodation three days, one week, one month, and three months after surgery was determined. Intraoperative ultrasound time and ultrasonic energy were recorded. It was finally concluded that for phacoemulsification with the same phaco tip, a 1.8-mm microincision can lead to quicker recovery of visual acuity, more stable astigmatism, and higher pseudophakic accommodation than conventional incision.

Abstract P4-03-11: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Magnetically Coated Bioabsorbable Stents for Renormalization of Arterial Vessel Walls after Stent Implantation

The insertion of a stent in diseased arteries is a common endovascular procedure that can be compromised by the development of short- and long-term inflammatory responses leading to restenosis and thrombosis, respectively. While treatment with drugs, either systemic or localized, has decreased the incidence of restenosis and thrombosis these complications persist and are associated with a high mortality in those that present with stent thrombosis. We reasoned that if stents could be made to undergo accelerated endothelialization in the deployed region, then such an approach would further decrease the occurrence of stent thrombosis and restenosis thereby improving clinical outcomes. Toward that objective, the first step necessitated efficient capture of progenitor stem cells, which eventually would become the new endothelium. To achieve this objective, we engineered intrinsic ferromagnetism within nonmagnetizable, biodegradable magnesium (Mg) bare metal stents. Mg stents were coated with biodegradable polylactide (PLA) polymer embedding magnetizable iron-platinum (FePt) alloy nanoparticles, nanomagnetic particles, ⁿMags, which increased the surface area and hence magnetization of the stent. ⁿMags uniformly distributed on stents enabled capture, under flow, up to 50 mL/min, of systemically injected iron-oxide-labeled (IO-labeled) progenitor stem cells. Critical parameters enhancing capture efficiency were optimized, and we demonstrated the generality of the approach by showing that ⁿMag-coated stents can capture different cell types. Our work is a potential paradigm shift in engineering stents because implants are rendered as tissue in the body, and this "natural stealthiness" reduces or eliminates issues associated with pro-inflammatory immune responses postimplantation.

Combined effect of glycemic and blood pressure control on diabetic retinopathy among Chinese with type-2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

To explore the associations of glycemic and blood pressure (BP) control with diabetic retinopathy (DR), with special focus on whether different combinations of categories of these two interventions are additive.

METHODS

A community-based survey including 913 patients with known type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was conducted in Suzhou, China. Retinal photographs were graded for the presence of DR using the Airlie House classification system. BP and blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) levels were measured by standardized protocols. Binary logistic regression models were established to examine the associations of risk factors with DR.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of any DR was 18.0% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 15.5-20.6%] in this population. Stratified by conventional control thresholds, lower levels of either systolic blood pressure (SBP, < 140 mmHg) or HbA1C (< 7.0%) were not significantly associated with decreased susceptibility to DR, while patients simultaneously with lower HbA1C and SBP levels demonstrated 43% reduced likelihood of developing DR [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.99, P = 0.045)], comparing with those with both higher levels of HbA1C (≥ 7.0%) and SBP (≥ 140 mmHg). Meanwhile, the group achieved intensive HbA1C (< 6.5%) and SBP (< 120 mmHg) control goals were found to have the smallest OR, but failed in yielding statistical significance (P = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

In this community-based DR screening study of Chinese adults with T2DM, combination but not individual of lower SBP (< 140 mmHg) and HbA1C (< 7.0%) levels, were suggested to be associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of having DR.

Prevalence and risk factors for myopia in older adult east Chinese population

BACKGROUND

To determine the prevalence and associated factors for myopia and high myopia among older population in a rural community in Eastern China.

METHODS

A community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Weitang town located in Suzhou, an urban metropolis in East China. A total of 5613 Chinese residents aged 60 years and older were invited to complete a questionnaire and participated in a detailed eye examination,including measurements of visual acuity and refractive error using autorefraction and subjective refraction. Myopia and high myopia was defined as SE < -0.5 diopters (D) and < -5.0 D, respectively.

RESULTS

Among the 5613 participating individuals, 4795 (85.4%) complete refraction data of phakic right eye was included for analysis. The age-adjusted prevalence was 21.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.9-22.2) for myopia and 2.5% (95% CI, 2.1-2.9) for high myopia. The prevalence of myopia tended to increase significantly with age(p < 0.001),and women had a higher rate of myopia than men (p < 0.001). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, adults who were older (odds ration[OR]:1.05; 95% CI:1.04-1.07), spent more time for sleeping at night (OR:1.12;95% CI: 1.06-1.18),or had cataract (OR:1.60;95% CI:1.36-1.88) and family history of myopia (OR:1.47;95% CI:1.23-1.77), are more susceptible to myopia (p < 0.001). People who had older age, family history, cataract and specially longer night-time sleep duration, would have a higher risk of myopia.

CONCLUSION

Myopia and high myopia among rural old adult population in Eastern China presents common. The current literature unanticipated suggests that there was a positive significant association between prevalence of myopia and night-time sleep duration among adult. Our data provide some evidence of this relationship and highlight the need for larger studies to further investigate this relationship longitudinally and explore mechanism therein.

Refractive error in Chinese with type 2 diabetes and its association with glycaemic control

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of refractive errors and their association with glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in eastern China.

METHODS

A community-based survey, including 913 adults with T2DM aged 30 to 89 years, was conducted. Refractive error was assessed by autorefraction, after which subjective refraction was performed. Ocular biometric parameters were measured by non-contact partial coherence laser interferometry. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent (SE) less than -0.50 dioptres (D), high myopia as SE less than -5.00 D, hyperopia as SE greater than 0.50 D and astigmatism as cylinder less than -0.50 D.

RESULTS

After excluding participants who had undergone cataract surgery, 839 were included in the data analyses and 96.1 per cent were found to have refractive errors. The overall prevalences of myopia, high myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 28.2 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 25.2-31.3), 6.3 per cent (95 per cent CI 4.7-8.0), 46.4 per cent (95 per cent CI 43.0-49.7) and 81.0 per cent (95 per cent CI 78.4-83.7) with no gender differences observed (all p > 0.10). In multivariate analysis, myopia was associated with decreasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, p = 0.01; per year increase), higher blood levels of haemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c ) (OR = 1.12, p = 0.05; per unit increase), higher education levels (OR = 5.10, p < 0.001; university or college versus illiterate or primary school) and the presence of nuclear cataract (OR = 2.36, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Refractive errors may be associated with glycaemic control among T2DM patients. Longitudinal analyses are warranted to examine the relationship between changes in HbA_1c and the development of refractive errors.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A review and meta-analysis of prophylaxis management

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during or after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer has become a remarkable clinical problem. Prophylactic nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are recommended for patients with breast cancer who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive before chemotherapy. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. PubMed, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant articles until June 2016. Eligible articles comparing the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were identified. Eight studies which had enrolled 709 HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were analysed. Lamivudine prophylaxis significantly reduced the rates of chemotherapy-associated hepatitis B flares in chronic hepatitis B in breast cancer compared with patients with nonprophylaxis (odds ratio [OR]=0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.35, P<.00001). Chemotherapy disruption rates attributed to HBV reactivation in the prophylaxis groups were significantly lower than the nonprophylaxis groups (OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43, P=.0002). Patients with lamivudine prophylaxis had a higher risk for tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) motif mutations than patients with nonprophylaxis (OR=6.33, 95% CI: 1.01-39.60, P=.05). Prophylactic antiviral therapy management is necessary for HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, in spite of high correlation with lamivudine-resistant HBV variants with YMDD motif mutations.

Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

Abstract P2-01-08: A nomogram to predict the survival benefit of surgical axillary staging in T1 breast cancer patients

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Abstract P2-01-09: The development of nomograms to predict axillary lymph node status in breast cancer patients

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

A facile synthesis of 3,4-dimercaptofurans via sulfenylation of (E)-β-chlorovinyl ketones and 1,2-sulfur migration

A facile access to 3,4-dimercaptofurans was developed by the sulfenylation of β-chlorovinyl ketones followed by a novel 1,2-sulfur migration.

Effect of endothelial progenitor cells derived from human umbilical cord blood on oxygen-induced retinopathy in mice by intravitreal transplantation

AIM

To investigate the effect of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) labeled by carboxy fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) on murine oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) by intravitreal transplantation.

METHODS

After isolated from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells, EPCs were cultivated and then labeled with CFSE in vitro. C57BL/6J mice were placed to 75% hyperoxia chamber from P7 to P12 to establish OIR model. At P12, OIR mice were intravitreally injected with 1 µL suspension contained 2×10⁵ EPCs (EPCs group) or isometric phosphate buffered saline (PBS group). The contralateral eye of each mice received no injection (OIR group). Evans blue angiography and frozen section were examined to track the labeled cells in OIR group at P15 and P19. Using retina paraffin sections and adenosinediphos phatase staining at P12 and P19, the effect of EPCs on OIR mice was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively.

RESULTS

The retinas from EPCs group with less non-perfusion area and fewer peripheral tufts were observed at P19, comparing with that from PBS or OIR group. The retinopathy in EPCs group receded earlier with less non-ganglion cells and neovascular nuclei, together with relatively regular distribution. The counts of the neovascular nuclei at P19 were reduced by 44% or 45%, compared with those of OIR group or PBS group respectively. Three days after EPCs injection, a large number of EPCs appeared in the vitreous cavity and adhered to the retinal surface. While at one week, the cells gathered between the internal plexiform layer and the inner limiting membrane, and some EPCs appeared in retinal vessels.

CONCLUSION

EPCs transplantation can participate in the reparative procedure of the neovascularization in OIR.

Early introduction of palliative care and advanced care planning for children with complex chronic medical conditions: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Children with complex chronic medical conditions benefit from early introduction of palliative care services and advanced care planning for symptom management and to support quality of life and medical decision-making. This study evaluated whether introducing palliative care during primary care appointments (1) was feasible; (2) increased access and improved knowledge of palliative care; and (3) facilitated advanced care planning.

METHODS

Pilot study of a multi-modal intervention including targeted education for primary care providers (PCPs), an informational packet for families and presence of a palliative care team member in the outpatient clinic. PCPs completed pre- and post-surveys assessing experience, knowledge and comfort with palliative care. Enrolled families received an information packet; a subset also met a palliative care team member. All families were encouraged to make an appointment with the palliative care team, during which the team assessed palliative care needs and goals of care. Upon study completion, the investigators assessed family and PCP satisfaction and collected feedback on project feasibility.

RESULTS

Twenty families were enrolled and received the information packet; 15 met a palliative care team member. Of the 17 participating families who were reached and completed a post-study survey, 11 families had never heard of palliative care and 13 were unaware that the palliative care team existed. Most families perceived palliative care information as 'very helpful' and 'very important'. All would recommend palliative care team services to others. Nine families followed up with the palliative care team, but none was prepared to complete an advanced care plan. PCPs reported lack of training in communicating bad news and conducting goals of care discussions. However, they felt increasingly comfortable introducing palliative care to families and supported program continuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiating palliative care services in the outpatient primary care setting is logistically challenging but increases access to palliative care for children with complex chronic medical conditions and improves palliative care knowledge and comfort for PCPs.

Abstract P2-12-19: Comparison between ultrasound-guided-vacuum-assisted excision and surgical excision of benign phyllodes tumor of the breast: A single center retrospective study

Background: Wide local excision (WLE) is the recommended treatment for patients with phyllodes tumor of the breast, regardless of the tumor subtype (benign, borderline and malignant). However, the association between margin status and local recurrence is still controversial. In our institution, surgical excision (SE) alone (margin width&lt;1cm) is the standard treatment for patients with benign phyllodes tumor. In addition, ultrasound-guided-vacuum-assisted excision (UGVAE) is also employed as an alternative, minimally invasive way to remove benign phyllodes tumor. We hypothesized that UGVAE alone is adequate and as safe as SE alone for benign phyllodes tumor.

Method:

We searched our database for patients with benign phyllodes tumor diagnosed in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital between 2000 and 2014, and identified 136 patients with valid follow-up information. Formalin fixed slices of each patient were reviewed for pathology diagnosis. In UGVAE group, we used 8G Mammotome to remove all lesions detected by ultrasound and surgical re-excision after pathology diagnosis was not performed. In SE group, patients received SE with no intention to achieve a surgical margin &gt;=1cm. Macroscopically negative margins is guaranteed by gross examination. Comparison of patients' features were performed using student t-test, Mann–Whitney u-test or Chi-sqaure test, when appropriate. Association between surgery (UGVAE & SE) and local recurrence was analyzed using univariate (Kaplan-Meier analysis) and multivariate approaches (Cox-regression analysis). Age, tumor size and the presence of accompanied fibroadenoma were included in the multivariate analysis.

Results:

Patients had significantly smaller tumor in the UGVAE group and those in the SE group (Median size: 2.1 vs. 3.0cm, P&lt;0.01). There were more patients in the UGVAE group that had accompanied fibroadenoma, when compared with those in the SE group (67.2% vs. 29.1%, P&lt;0.01). The median age was 38 and 37 in the UGVAE and SE group, respectively (P=0.66). With a median follow-up of 43 months, the 3-year and 5-year recurrence-free survival was 89.6% and 86.5% in UGVAE group, 97.3% and 90.0% in SE group, respectively (Log-rank test: P=0.26). In multivariate analysis, Surgery type (UGVAE or SE) (HR=0.37, P=0.19), age(HR=0.97, P=0.45), tumor size (HR=0.88, P=0.58) and the presence of accompanied fibroadenoma (HR=0.38, P=0.16) were not associated with recurrence-free survival.

Conclusion: UGVAE alone did not significantly increase the local recurrence rate of benign phyllodes tumor, when compared with SE, in this study. A prospective study with more patients and longer follow-up is needed in future.

Citation Format: Ouyang Q, Chen K, Zhu L, Song E, Su F. Comparison between ultrasound-guided-vacuum-assisted excision and surgical excision of benign phyllodes tumor of the breast: A single center retrospective study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-12-19.